Claudio Tolousse, Then And Now

Claudio Tolousse at the Outpost Performance Space in July 2012.

The first time I heard Claudio Tolousse play guitar was at the Outpost Performance Space in 2012. He was twenty-two years old and his PR company hired me to shoot photos for their various campaigns to launch the young artist. I had no idea what to expect but, when the show started, my first thought was, "Oh.. he's the real deal." His music displayed a complexity and maturity that was well beyond his years.

In the time since, Claudio has distinguished himself as a unique voice in the Albuquerque art community and music scene. Not only has he earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University Of New Mexico in Music Performance & Jazz Studies (2013) but he has also released his first album, The Story Of Part One (2017)​

A Family Tradition Of Art And Music

Claudio's parents moved to the United States from Colombia in 1985. They originally settled in Los Angeles, CA but his father, being an artist and musician, was drawn to New Mexico by the Santa Fe art scene.

As a child, Claudio lived and breathed the art and music created by his family. Being inspired by the work of his father and older brother, Claudio picked up the guitar at the age of eleven and has scarcely put it down since. His dad was the first in a long line of inspirational teachers.

Four years later, at the age of fifteen, Claudio began studying music with legendary jazz guitarist, Michael Anthony, who would later become one of his collage professors. The two continue to be close friends and to perform together to this day.

July 4th, 2018: July 4th Celebration With The Claudio Tolousse Band hosted by the Albuquerque Meadows Retirement Community. Claudio will be joined by a quintet to perform The Story Of Part One as well as other groovy tunes to celebrate our nation's independence.
For more information visit Claudiotolousse.com
​July 7th, 2018: The Lineage Concert featuring Michael Anthony, John Maestas and Claudio Tolousse at the Outpost Performance Space. Claudio is not only performing in this show but he is also the producer/promoter of the event!More information and tickets available fromBrown Paper Tickets.

August 16, 2018:Claudio Tolousse and Ryan Montano at the Outpost Performance SpaceMore information and tickets available fromOutpostSpace.Org
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​For a full list of performances and upcoming events visit:Claudiotolousse.com​

An Artist Of Many Voices

While speaking to Claudio Tolousse it becomes clear that, while he dearly loves the guitar, he does not see himself strictly as a musician and is firmly rooted in his sense of himself as a Being of expression.

There are many ways to express oneself and Claudio is not limited by an attachment to any one of them. Rather, he sees himself as someone with many creative tools in his proverbial toolbox. Every time I talk to him, he is eager to share his new projects, all of which require him to be a perpetual student and a master of adaptation.

Most recently, Claudio has been working closely with his father to learn the art of metal sculpture and he has become an accomplished sculptor in his own right. His work is now being presented on a national level. In fact, it is one of Claudio's sculptures that appears on the cover of his album, The Story Of Part One.
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For more information, and to see more of Claudio's work visit the"Art" page on his website.

Leaving Footprints Around The World

One of Claudio's great loves is getting to know the world around him and he has an amazing passion for travel.

While pursuing his music degree at the University Of New Mexico, Claudio was fortunate enough to do two semesters as an exchange student: one in Louisiana at the University of New Orleans and another one in South Africa at the University of Cape Town. He has also spent a lot of time in Nashville, TN and traveled extensively across the United States.

Yet with so much travel and opportunity, Claudio continues to call New Mexico home - and with good reason! Like his father; drawn to the Santa Fe art scene, New Mexico remains a prime location to create and sell art. Additionally, Claudio and his father frequently go on the road together, traveling to art fairs all over the country. On these trips, Claudio not only presents his own works but also acts as spokesperson and salesman for his father's art dealings.

When asked about his plans to stay in New Mexico, Claudio says:
"You know, it really doesn't matter where you live. It's the effort you put in to that place. New Mexico is the best place to sell art and, as a musician, I am constantly traveling and I get to play in amazing venues all over the country, plus I can still get my green chili fix whenever I want!
I have lived in other places but none of them have my history, my community. I am able to accomplish more here because I have deep roots."

The Definition Of Success

When asked what it means to be successful, Claudio has what is perhaps the best answer of all saying:
"For me, success is doing what you love and finding a way to have what you love be your means to an end, and to live comfortably. I think when you're doing what you love, you're not working a day at all. And when you're doing what you love with as much passion and drive as you can then you are succeeding every day."

With Claudio Tolousse, there is always more yet to be discovered. Stay tuned for his new podcast called Art Talk Music with Claudio Tolousse, coming soon to airwaves near you!

Creating Art For The Love Of Route 66

Darryl Willison is arguably one of Albuquerque's most recognizable artists. His career, spanning over twenty years in New Mexico, has produced a signature style and his work can be seen in galleries, museums and restaurants all over town and even in the White House.

Once known for his two dimensional art; cowboy themed paintings, pastels, and colored pencil creations, Darryl's work has evolved to meet the demands of a changing marketplace and he now specializes in steel sculpture - which he creates with a plasma cutter and describes as "drawing with fire", and in creating designs for gift items such as tee-shirts, coasters, wall art, and bumper stickers. All of his designs are original and still drawn by hand.

Holding On To The History

When asked about his fascination with The Mother Road, Darryl says:
"Route 66 is steeped in the rich history of this country and represents the heart and backbone of the people who live here. Families would get in the vehicle and enjoy the landscape without the distraction of electronics. You enjoyed the ride because the road was the destination. As the older generation passes away, it's like a library burning to the ground and this history is something we can't afford to lose."

Bringing History Back To Life

Albuquerque's Central Ave. is a living and breathing stretch of historic Route 66 and New Mexico hosts the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country.
Along this main drag are numerous roadside motor lodges, many built in the 1930's that have since fallen into various states of disrepair, some have even been abandoned and become derelict.
​When it was built in 1937, the El VadoMotel was one of New Mexico's first motels to greet Route 66 travelers. In more recent times, it had been rundown and was considered an eyesore and all around dangerous place to be (though I believe it made an appearance in an episode of Breaking Bad)
Fortunately, the El Vado was rescued by the city and in 2017 it was renovated into a beautiful commercial space hosting many shops and restaurants as well as a boutique motel for those who want to spend a night on The Mother Road.
I wish I had photographed the El Vado prior to it's renovation, just to show the before and after. What I remember was a boarded up motor lodge in a lot overgrown with weeds and enclosed by a razor wire chain link fence. Needless to say, the transformation has been incredible.

Merc 66 In The Newly Renovated El Vado Motel

Never content to sit quietly behind the scenes, Darryl Willison is not only a gifted artist but also a lifelong entrepreneur. Recognizing that functional gifts meet the needs of travelers, Darryl's latest venture is a fun and quirky giftshop full of one-of-a-kind creations that are not only decorative but also serve a purpose.

Merc 66 is part of the newly renovated commercial space at the El Vado Motel located at 2500 Central Ave SW in Albuquerque. It is walking distance to Old Town and is right across the street from the Botanical Garden.

Merc 66 is actually a co-op giftshop and not only features numerous fun and functional "Darryl" creations but those of other artists as well; all of whom have a vested interest in the success of the shop.

Merc 66 has a tiny boot print, occupying only 350 square feet, but there is no wasted space here. The quantity and selection of products is impressive and every explorer of The Mother Road is likely to find the perfect thing to bring back home.

For more information about Darryl Willison, visit his website atWhimsicalWest.com and be sure to "like" Merc 66 on facebook. Merc 66 merchandise is also available online and can be ordered at www.Merc66abq.com and if you're traveling through Albuquerque, don't forget to book your room at the El Vado Motel.

Jim Gross has been a staple in the New Mexico music industry for over two decades.

Jim first moved to the Albuquerque area in 1991 and over the years he has released two music albums and built a massively successful wedding entertainment business.

His musician based DJ service is a one of a kind business model in the sea of sameness that dominates the wedding industry. Jim's business, Carousel Of Music is unique in that it not only features talented and experienced wedding DJs but the real star of the show is the live performances from the musicians.

I mean, who wouldn't want a live flamenco guitar set during the cocktail hour and dinner followed by a rockin' dance party for their wedding reception?It ain't your grandma's wedding reception...

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After producing over 3000 local events, Jim's live performances have led him to become one of the most recognizable guitarist in Albuquerque.

More than a Wedding DJ

In addition to building a successful entertainment agency, Jim Gross is also a recording artist and has released two albums featuring his notable musicianship.

Sandia Moment

Ten years ago, Jim decided to pursue his dream of writing, producing, and recording a flamenco guitar album and in 2008, he released Sandia Moment featuring twelve tracks of his fusion blend of flamenco, jazz, and classical guitar styles. ​

Sandia Moment is available to purchase both on CD and via digital download from CD Baby.

Circle Of The Lord

Circle Of The Lord is an original collection of Christian songs and gospel music and features performances from Jim's son, Alan Gross, as well the choir and other musicians from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Albuquerque, NM.

Like Sandia Moment, Circle of The Lord is available for purchase and download at CD Baby.

What's next for Jim Gross?

Jim has been burning the midnight oil with the development and production of an internet based music education business that he is preparing to unleash on the world.

I can't give any spoilers, but I can say that his new business is likely to change the face of music education in terms of both private instruction and in how music is taught in schools.

​Stay tuned, this is the first post about Jim Gross, but it certainly won't be the last!